GPs told to spot signs of patients being child abusers and call social services if they are suspicious

GPs have been told to look out for signs that their patients are child abusers

Doctors are being told to look out for signs that their patients are child abusers.

The General Medical Council is urging GPs and hospital medics to call social services if they become suspicious while carrying out routine check-ups.

Such patients could include mothers with post-natal depression, heavy drinkers or anyone with a ‘chaotic’ personal life.

It is the first time the GMC has told doctors to raise the alarm if they suspect adult patients are potential abusers.

Previous guidance focused on symptoms of abuse in the victim.

The GMC recently warned doctors to be particularly vigilant for any tell-tale signs of harm in children, such as strange bruises or unexplained fractures.

It follows the tragic case of ‘Baby P’ Peter Connelly, who died in 2007 in his north London home after months of abuse by his mother, her boyfriend and their lodger. He had been seen by dozens of medical professionals and social workers.

His GP, Dr Jerome Ikwueke, has since been found guilty of ‘serious failings’ for missing the signs of abuse.

The GMC granted a request by his paediatrician, Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat, to be voluntarily removed from the medical register.

He added: ‘It’s that instinct that something isn’t right based on what you know about their lifestyle.

‘It may be someone leading a chaotic lifestyle, drug addiction or alcohol addiction.’

Under suspicion: The head of the GMC said doctors should pay close attention to patients leading a 'chaotic lifestyle'

He also said it was impossible to know which sort of patients may raise suspicions but they could include those with certain mental illnesses such as post-natal depression.

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the GMC, said: ‘Child protection is a complex and emotionally challenging area of practice for any professional, and doctors in particular can find themselves having to make difficult and delicate judgments in a charged atmosphere.

‘The decisions made or not made as a result can have far reaching consequences.

‘We are clear though that doctors must raise their concerns if they believe a child or young person may be at risk of abuse or neglect – and this applies whether or not the child is their patient.

‘They also need to know who to contact for advice if they do have any concerns.

‘Doctors who make child protection decisions based on the guidance will be able to justify their actions if a complaint is made against them – provided their conclusions are honestly held and have been pursued through the appropriate channels.’

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GPs told to spot signs of patients being child abusers and call social services if they are suspicious